White Water Rafting in Ontario

© Duchess O’Blunt, 2010; all rights reserved.

When you mention Ottawa, most people think Parliament, Government buildings, and Canadian History. From the moment my son came back from his White Water Rafting weekend, I think adventure.

The Ottawa Valley stretches from our capital city (that would be Ottawa for those outside of the country reading this), to the wilderness of Ontario’s world-renowned Algonquin Park in the west. The Ottawa Valley is 6 million acres (that's 2.4 million hectares) of woodland, waterways and awe inspiring landscapes.

The Ottawa Valley probably offers 100 things to do during the warmer months of the year. It's a wonderful place for golfing, camping, summer dog sledding, wagon rides, canoeing, kayaking, cycling and hiking to name just a few.

There are country markets, flee markets, farmers markets and summer fun festivals. It is easy to find resorts, and cottages to rent. and while you are vacationing, take in the local theatres, music festivals, dance classes, cooking classes and explore local foods and crafts.

There are any number of things that can keep you busy. And of course, for many, the big draw is the white water rafting along the Ottawa River.

The Ottawa River, has developed a reputation for the place to go if you want to experience White Water Rafting in Ontario. There are any number of places you can go to experience this particular type of adrenaline rush. We welcome people from the world to our resorts and rivers.

Here's a little fact I didn't know - people actually travel around the world to find the best white water thrills, and to participate in white water races!

Not to be outdone - we offer our own annual races as well. Go to any one of the links listed below where White Water Rafting is offered as part of a package or on it's own, and you can find out about OUR annual races.

White Water Rafting is not a sport for the couch potato. One must be somewhat physically fit. And if you are going for the first time, you must be prepared for some training and classes on safety. The pictures included are from my son's first experience with White Water Rafting.

The first time out is one of those "hands on" type of training classes with an instructor and other first timers. Exciting enough on it's own, but not nearly as exciting as going out on your own!

This trip included the camp grounds, the food, the equipment, those cute little wet suits, the helmets (of course), the training - and the ultimate - a trip on the rapids with just you and your buds.

Imagine a group of 5 young men, pumped about the ride just arriving and ready to rock! The camping grounds are eerily quiet the night before because they want to be rested. Ya right! You can bet everyone is excited, talking and not able to sleep. Especially if this is your first trip. There may not be much "partying" if you want to stay alert for the next day, but it is my guess the campfire lights were burning long into the night.

The pictures here are of their own ride and the joy of victory and and the agony of defeat! If you look closly at the pictures you will see two of them being projected from the raft. Ooops, where did that hand actually land? YIKES. That's not something you want to write home about.

On this particular trip, the boys did not realize they went during the week of the annual races, but they took part non the less. Who could resist right? Five young men, all sure they are the very best, the very fittest, and the hottest things on two legs.

Not a bad showing for their first time. They actually came in 6th. I'm not sure how many teams participated, so I don't know if 6th is impressive to the rest of the world or not. It was impressive to me.

Yes, there are reasons why people want to do crazy things. It's the "thrill of the ride" or "the adrenaline pump". For some it's just that fact that it's there to be conquered. Or the need to do it quicker, higher or faster than everyone else.

Personally - I don't see it. But that's because I am such a quiet and easy going kinda gal.

So, how on earth - or where on earth, did my son get this desire to do the crazy things in life? Certainly not from me!

Walking a bridge across two mountains, biking at high speeds, white water rafting, jumping off planes from miles high, those are the things that mothers have nightmares about but things that young men dream about.

For you mothers who worry, encourage your kids to learn boat safety. It certainly is no guarantee, but having a better awareness cannot hurt.

For Canadians, here is a place to actually take an exam online.

BoatSmart